Do I need a trucking permit? Legal load limits.

Arkansas maximum load limits until a trucking permit is required:

Length: Maximum trailer length with a load is 53 feet and 6 inches long.Width: 8 feet and 6 inches wide.Height: 13 feet and 6 inches tall.Weight: 80,000 pounds gross(GVW). Steer axle is whatever the manufacturer lists it as or no greater than 20,000 pounds. 20,000 pounds on any single axle , 34,000 pounds gross on any tandem axle, 54,000 pounds on any tridum axle.Overhang: Arkansas is NOT clear on overhang which indicates they don’t like it. If you’re considering it call them and be sure to let our visitors know below.

Routine oversize and heavy-haul trucking permits.

These maximum dimensions/weights are considered routine oversize or heavy-haul trucking permits in Arkansas:

Length: No set maximums.Width: Up to 18 feet on interstate and up to 20 feet on others.Height: 17 feet maximum. If over 16 feet tall (no interstate travel) approval will be required depending on desired route.Weight: Maximum gross weight is 180,000 pounds. Typically steer axle is 12,000 pounds (unless manufacture specs allow for more – contingent upon spacings). Single axle is 20,000 pounds, tandem axles is 46,000 pounds, tridum axles is 60,000 pounds and 68,000 pounds on quadem axles. Routine permits cap out at 180,000 pounds gross.Overhang: Depending on what you are hauling: poles, manufactured homes it’s all over the board. For more info see: Arkansas permit laws.

Super load information for Arkansas.

Arkansas state DOT will classify any shipment in excess of the following as a super load:

Length: Depends on your route needs.Width: Anything in excess of 20 feet will be classified as a super load.
Height: Over 17 feet in height will require bucket trucks and route survey – count it as a super load.Weight: If over 180,000 pounds.Overhang: Share with us your experience (below) as Arkansas is all over the board on overhang.

Any combination or shipment in excess of the legal dimensions must be properly marked. Signs stating “OVERSIZE LOAD” are required to be displayed on the front of the combination as well as the rear of the load. In addition red or orange colored safety flags that are 18 inches square must be placed on the front of the power unit and rear corners of the load. Typically night movement is not permitted however, always refer to your permit for any special lighting requirements. Heavy haul shipments may not be required to display signs but again refer to your permit.

When pilot cars or escort vehicles are required.

Heavy-haul or oversize loads may be required to be accompanies by a escort vehicle or pilot car if:

For a vehicle to qualify; all pilot car/escort vehicles must have a gross weight over over 2,000 pounds but also have a manufacturers gross weight rating of less than 26,000 pounds.Length: If load is 75′ to 95′ on a 2 load road you will need one rear pilot car (escort).Width: 10′ 6″ to 12′ wide on a 2 lane road requires 1 front pilot car. On a 4 lane road up to 12′ wide requires no escorts. When load is 12′ 1″ to 14′ wide 1 front and 1 rear pilot car (escort) is required on all 2 lane roads and 1 rear on all 4 lane roads. For loads 14′ 1″ – 15′ wide 1 front and 1 rear pilot car (escort) is required. 15′ 1″ to 16′ wide on 2 lane requires 2 front pilot cars (escorts) and 1 rear pilot car (escort). On 4 all lane roads 1 front and 2 rear pilot cars (escorts) are required. If you do have a permit for weekend travel you will be required to have a police escort. Districts and Parkways may require additional escorts as well. Vehicles traveling with a width of over 14′ wide will not be allowed to travel on Fridays except on Parkway. Maximum width allowed on the Parkway is 16′ and must be accompanied by police escort if over 15′.Height: If height of load exceeds 15′ a front high pole car is required.Weight: Check with the State of to see if your weight class will require a pilot car/escort.Overhang: If front over hang is over 10′ on 2 or 4 lane roads 1 front pilot car (escort) is required. If rear overhang exceeds 10′ on a 2 or 4 lane road one rear escort is required.

Pilot cars/escort vehicle certifications and requirements.

All pilot cars/escort vehicles must display a bumper or roof mounted “OVERSIZE LOAD” sign visible from both the front and rear of the vehicle. Sign must be at least 5′ long and 12″ in height, yellow in color with black letters no less than 10″ tall and 1 1/2″ in width. Vehicle must have 2 safety flags red or orange in color and be a minimum of 18″ of length and/or height mounted at a 40 to 70 degree angle on all 4 corners of the vehicle. Company identification signs must be placed on both sides of the pilot car (escort vehicle) displaying the name of the company, phone number and be placed on both the left and right hand sides of the vehicle. These signs must be no less that 8″ tall x 12″ wide and identity writing must be plainly legible. Vehicle must be equipped with a horizontally mounted rotating (or strobe) amber colored flashing light which must be visible from a 360 degree angle from a minimum of 500 feet. Vehicles must be equipped with a CB radio or 2-way communication device, 2 – 5 pound fire extinguishers type A, B and C, a sign with the word “STOP” on one side and “SLOW” on the other with dimensions of no less than 18″ in diameter with a minimum of 6″ letters. A red safety colored flag with handle no less than 18″ square, 3 reflective emergency road triangles or 18″ traffic cones, 2 OVERSIZE LOAD banners (yellow with black lettering) and a safety colored (red, orange, yellow or lime green) vest, jacket or shirt (used while directing traffic).

Legal travel times for oversize and heavy haul loads.

Travel times and restrictions for heavy-haul and oversize loads:

Most travel is restricted to daylight hours only in Arkansas. Continuous travel may be permitted for heavy haul loads that are not oversize. It is possible under some circumstances to obtain weekend travel permission for some routes/smaller dimensions upon request (when filing). No travel is permitted when visibility is obstructed or inclement weather exists which can include but not limited to: snow, hail, rain, wind, etc. Always follow instructions on your permit as well as travel advisories for more information. CURFEWS: Little Rock area from 7 AM until 9 AM and 4 PM until 6 PM and also including I-30, mile marker 137 to 143, I-40 from mile marker 151 to 155 and all of Interstate 630. Holiday travel is restricted when the holiday is on a Monday or Friday (no weekend travel permitted) on New Years Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. However, you may travel on Martin Luther King Day, Robert E. Lee’s Birthday, George Washington’s Birthday and on Veterans Day.

Arkansas DOT contact information and notes.

Arkansas DOT office and permit contact information:

Physical address:
Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department
10324 Interstate 30
Little Rock, AR 72203Telephone: 501-569-2381 order permits by phone from 6 am to 4:30 pm M-F.Hours: 6 AM until 4:30 PM Monday thru Friday.Central Time ZoneArkansas is a member of the SASHTO.
Arkansas State DOT website for additional info.

Shipping laws, regulations, limitations and rules for shipping oversize and over-weight loads over the roads and highways in the state of Illinois. Please share your expertise or knowledge of Illinois state shipping regulations with other visitors below. Trucking and pilot car location system: Locate trucking companies and...

2018 National hot dog day. The term “Negative Nancy” is one we’ve all heard and are familiar with. A term most of us distance ourselves from but in reading about Loves Travel Stops free hot dog Wednesday the first thing you have to wonder is how much...

FMCSA releases a mandated “Corrective Action Plan” for the CSA program. Cutting through the commentary here are the nuts and bolts. The actions the FMCSA stated it will take in its 10 page corrective action plan will include: Moving forward to develop and test an IRT model....

2018 Arizona state shipping laws, regulations, rules and limitations for oversize and overweight trucking on state highways and roads. Please share your expertise of Arizona state DOT trucking regulations with other visitors below. As per the state of Arizona please read the following: “The Arizona Department of...

2018 Arizona state shipping laws, regulations, rules and limitations for oversize and overweight trucking on state highways and roads.

“The Arizona Department of Transportation in cooperation with state representatives, industry, the Department of Public Safety and local law enforcement personnel work in collaboration to update and amend oversize and overweight special permit rules containing special permit requirements, restrictions and allowances for transporting oversize and overweight vehicles and loads on highways under the jurisdiction of the Department. This is a council established in statute and makes up the Over-dimensional Permit Council.

These rules detail the eligibility, application and use requirements for a variety of permits the Department currently issues to commercial motor carriers for transporting vehicles or vehicle and load combinations exceeding the maximum size or weight limitations provided by statute.

Each special permit provided by the Department under these rules is specifically authorized by statute. The oversize and overweight special permits issued under these rules are that each permittee issued a particular class of permit is subject to the same activities, practices, requirements and restrictions applicable to that permit type. The statutes additionally provide authority for issuance, conditions, restrictions, approvals and fees.”

Do I need a trucking permit? Legal load limits.

Arizona maximum load limits until a trucking permit is required:

Length: Anything over 65 feet in length overall requires a permit on non-designated highways.Overhang: 3 feet in the front and 6 feet off of the rear of trailer maximum (make sure your route is approved for overhang as there are location variations).Weight: 80,000 pounds overall (GVW), 12,000 pounds on steer axle.Width: 8 feet and 6 inches wide maximum.Height: 14 feet maximum on interstates and 13 feet and 6 inches in height on secondary roads.

Routine heavy haul and oversize trucking permits in Arizona.

These maximum dimensions/weights are considered routine oversize or heavy-haul trucking permits in Arizona:

Length: 120 feet maximum or proceed to super load section.

Weight: 250,000 pounds maximum (Class C if over or see superloads). Single axle is 28,000 pounds maximum. All tandem, tridum, trunnion and quadem axle configurations depend on axle spacings and tire sizes. Gross weight maximums: 5 axles is 104,000 pounds, 6 axles is 108,000 pounds, 7 axles is 117,000 pounds. The permissible maximum weights depend on the number of tires combined with the overall distance between each of the axles. Spacings on axles are a little bit tricky in this state. The Arizona DOT permits office will consider a number or factors but it’s primarily about the bridges which could require a route survey if extreme weights are involved. If weights are excessive and trailer capabilities are even close to short of maxing out, forget it! Pavement, structural and stress testing results will govern your overall permissible capabilities.

Overhang: 3 feet of front or 6 feet off of the rear or any configuration that is in excess of 75 feet. They could require you to use a stretch trailer before allowing you to proceed under super load provisions.

Notes: These above routinely permitted shipments will need to be filed as class “A” permits. Class A permits are anything under 120 feet in length, 14 feet in width, 16 feet in height or under 250,000 pounds overall. Maximum speed is set at 55 mph for all oversize/overweight shipments.

Super load information for Arizona.

Arizona state DOT will classify your shipment as a super load if you are in excess of any of the following:

If a shipment exceeds any of the following it is classified as a superload and will require a class C permit. Class C permits are “super load permits”. If any shipment is in excess of 120 feet in length or 14 feet in width or 16 feet in height or 250,000 pounds in weight it is classified as a super load.
Notes: For mobile home shipments and more class C permit information expand the file just below.

Applications for class C permits should ideally be submitted via the ADOT ePRO System. They do have other options but we strongly suggest you use the method they prefer. While it’s not a 100% guarantee you can usually get a Class C permit in 48 hours (excluding evenings, weekends and state holidays). Once it is approved you will see pending/approved/refused when you log in. The fee is $30 for class C shipments that are no greater than 18 feet in height and/or width and 80,000 pounds. Shipments that are over 80,000 pounds are $90. Shipments that are over 18 feet in height and width, but not over 80,000 pounds, are $40. For shipments that are greater than 18 feet in height and width and/or 80,000 pounds are $100. Typical class C permits are only valid for 4 working days unless otherwise specified. In order to obtain a class C permit extension beyond the 4 day working allowance you must either have inclement weather issues or equipment breakdown issues.

ADOT ePRO payment screen if requesting 3 a.m. or weekend movement for loads up to 16 feet wide and 16 feet high. The entire route must be designated for night movement, weekend movement or both or it will be denied.

For mobile home shipments:

16 feet wide

16 feet high

120 feet in overall length (vehicle and load combination length)

80,000 pounds combined gross vehicle weight rating

Within statutory axle group weight limits

ADOT ePRO. “Easy” Class C Mobile Home Permits are only valid on ADOT roadways. Transporters must check with local jurisdictions for permission to travel on roadways that are not under ADOT jurisdiction.

If shipment is over 102″ in width it must be flagged on the 4 outtermost corners of the entire combined shipment. Flags must be red in color and be not less than 12″ in either direction. Proper “OVERSIZE LOAD” or “WIDELOAD” banner/sign bust be displayed on both the upper most front of overall shipment (front of truck) no less than 5′ from the pavement line. Banner/sign must be no less than 6′ in length and 12′ in height with reasonable and size letting thickness and height. If you are seeking or awarded night movement reflective or illuminated banners/signs are required.

When pilot cars or escort vehicles are required.

Heavy-haul or oversize loads may be required to be accompanies by a escort vehicle or pilot car if:

Pilot cars/escort vehicle certifications and requirements.

For a vehicle to qualify; all pilot car/escort vehicles must have a manufacturers gross weight rating not to exceed over over 20,000 pounds. All pilot cars/escort vehicles must display a bumper or roof mounted “OVERSIZE LOAD” sign visible from both the front and rear of the vehicle. Sign must be at least 6 feet long and 12 inches in height, yellow in color with black letters no less than 5 inches tall and 1 inch in width. Vehicle must have 4 safety flags displayed in red or orange in color and be a minimum of 12 inches in length quare and/or height mounted at a 40 to 70 degree angle on all 4 corners of the vehicle. Vehicle must be equipped with a CB radio or 2-way communication device, 8 ignitable road flares and have a first-aid kit.

Legal travel times for oversize and heavy haul loads in Arizona.

Travel times and restrictions for heavy-haul and oversize loads:

The one half hour before sunrise to one half hour after sunset rule applies. Travel on weekends and holidays is permitted. Night time travel applies to any shipment that does not exceed 120 feet in length or 16 feet wide or 16 feet tall or less than 250,000 pounds. If your are empty but over weight you’ll be allowed to travel continuously more than likely. If overweight only you will probably be allowed continuous travel. Under 10 feet of overhang, 10 feet in width or 14 feet in height will more than likely be granted continuous travel. Some loads will NOT be granted travel on weekends. Always refer to the documentation on your permit to verify travel times.

Maximum weight on a single axle is 28,000 pounds, on tandem axles or tried him as well as for axles it depends entirely upon the axle spacings and tire sizes. Trunnion: 60,000 pounds the gross raid on five axles is 104,000 pounds on six axles 108,000 pounds and on seven axles 117,000 pounds again depending on the actual number of tires, the distance between the axles and the actual tire size itself. Be sure to check with the state for any additional requirements or questions you may have. Pavement stress and bridge capacities will be the determining factor for the maximum permitted weights. For Arizona class A permits you must be less than the following: up to 14 feet wide, 16 feet high, 120 feet in length or 250,000 pounds. A truck operating under a class A permit will be allowed weekend travel from 3 AM until 12 noon on Saturday and Sunday or non holiday weekends, only on specific highways and with applicable escort. A height pole on escort vehicles or pilot cars is determined by the state. If the shipment exceeds any of these dimensions or weights refer to the section on superloads above. A superload is also classified as a class C shipment in the state of Arizona. A shipment is classified as a class C shipment and needs a class C permit issued if it is over 14 feet wide, 120 feet long, 16 feet high and/or in excess of 250,000 pounds. The maximum speed for any heavy haul or oversize shipment is 55 mph within the state of Arizona. Any specialized equipment that is not loaded is automatically granted continuous travel unless otherwise specified.

Heavy haul in oversize load truck signs and flags that are required.

All oversize, long-load or wideload signs should be a minimum of 6 feet wide and 1 feet tall and shall be mounted on the forward most part of the tractor-trailer and the rearmost part of the load or the vehicle which the shipment is loaded onto in such a manner that is clearly visible to motorists. This sign should have a yellow background with black letters and if you wish to move during daylight hours the background must be reflective or illuminated so it is clearly visible. All over-width vehicles wider than 8’6″ or transporting a load that is exceeding 9 feet in width must display oversize load signs. All shipments and vehicles must be flagged with red flags that are a minimum of 12 inches square or larger on all extremities. All loads or vehicles with an overhang in the front or the rear must be flagged and/or lighted.

Pilot car or escort requirements for heavy haul and oversize loads.

All pilot cars or escort vehicles must be a passenger car or a two axle truck not exceeding 20,000 pounds in total weight. All escort vehicles and pilot cars shall display red flags are are a minimum of 12 inches square on all corners of the vehicle and be fitted with a oversize load sign facing in the applicable direction. This sign must be a minimum of 5 feet above the ground and mounted securely to the vehicle. Signs must be a minimum of 5 feet 1 inches tall with 1 inch thick black letters on a yellow background. Warning lights are required. Each pilot car or escort vehicle needs to be equipped with a two-way radio capable of transmitting and receiving over a minimum distance of 1 mile and must be compatible with all other vehicles involved in the shipment. Each pilot car or escort vehicle must have a minimum of eight flares, one first-aid kit, to red flags and any other equipment specified by AASHTO standards. a minimum distance of 1000 feet shall be maintained between the escort vehicle and the shipment except where visual contact is not obtainable. When in urban areas the distance needs to be between 100 and 250 feet maximum. Arizona state pilot car and escort vehicle certification certificate must be carried by all pilot car and escort vehicle operators. If the operator has a certification in another state as long as the certification is CVSA (Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance) recognized the state of Arizona will recognize it.

Travel time. Note: Arizona does not recognize daylight savings time.

Daylight hours are one half hour before sunrise to one half hour after sunset. Night travel may be allowed for vehicles that do not exceed 16 feet wide, 16 feet high, 120 feet long or less than 250,000 pounds. Refer to your permit. A load within these limits shall have escort vehicles if 11 feet wide to 14 feet wide; 1 rear pilot car or escort vehicle is required or if 14’1″ to 16 feet wide you will need a front and rear pilot car and escort vehicle. If the shipment is in excess of 15 feet in height you may be required to have a pilot car with a height pole.

Weekend travel: if the shipment is not greater than: 16 feet wide, 16 feet high, 120 feet long or 250,000 pounds it may be allowed to travel on specified routes from 3 AM until 12 noon on weekends.

Night movement: for shipments that do not exceed any of the following dimensions: 16 feet wide, 16 feet high, 120 feet long and/or 250,000 pounds, night moves should be permitted and noted (if allowed on your route) under restrictions on your permit.

Heavy haul only: shipments that are not over 10 feet wide or not over 14 feet tall with less than 10 feet of overhang may be granted continuous travel with a permit. However no travel may be allowed on Saturdays or Sundays be advised that no movement will be allowed during snow or icy conditions or any severe weather conditions that might be hazardous to motorist or detrimental to the roads and highways.

Travel time is prohibited on the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving day and Christmas day. If the proceeding holidays falls on a Monday them shipment shall stop before 12 noon the Friday preceding the national holiday. The state permit office will be closed on these holidays as well as on Lincoln’s birthday, Washington’s Birthday, Columbus Day and Veterans Day. Travel will not be restricted on these four days however there is a curfew. Permitted vehicles are prohibited from I-17, I-10 and SR 360 within city limits of greater Phoenix and I-10 and I-19 within city limits of the greater Tucson area from 7 to 9 AM and 4 to 6 PM.

Weather restrictions for heavy haul and oversize loads.

Whenever driver visibility is restricted you may not travel especially when visibility is less than 500 feet. This can be due to snow, heavy rain, followed or dust. Road surface condition reduces normal traction and under conditions of flooding, ice or snow you may not travel this also applies to high winds or anything else or conditions that may suggest any injury to motorists or the road.

The information contained in these pages is research information primarily for use by oversize and overweight trucking company drivers, dispatchers and pilot car companies. While every effort is put into maintaining the accuracy of this information you must absolutely verify this information with the Arizona State DOT Permits office before commencing movement.

The Beluga Airbus Super Transporter.

Don’t sell your truck and trailer just quite yet.

While the Beluga Airbus super transporter certainly looks like it could put a lot of folks out of work the of it reality is a little different. The Beluga is currently used primarily for transporting other air-crafts and air-craft parts. If a shipment we’re to fit in this monstrosity it would definitely need to be a time sensitive shipment as the amount of jet fuel consumed just to get off of the ground would probably exceed the cost of transporting the same item over the road. Test flights are being done now with a commercially approved version expected to be released at the end of 2018.

While the Airbus Supertransporter looks like it might put a crunch in trucking industry the reality of it is much different. Price to own one: 183 cool million dollars.

Fact: The Airbus Beluga A300 600 supertransporter is the world’s most volumetrically cavernous aircraft. It certainly looks like a Beluga whale!

Dry weight is 86 tons or 172,000 pounds.

Max payload of 94,000 pounds or 47 tons.

It can ship loads up to 123 feet long, 23 feet wide and 23 feet tall.

Load/unload time is 20 minutes.

Travels 567 miles per hour (mach .07) at an of altitude of 35,000 feet.

It’s fuel capacity is 15,600 gallons.

Airbus Supertransporter being loaded from the front:

The nose section lifts up as well as the tail in order to load/unload freight. The lift on the tarmac is rated at a 100 ton lift capacity.

There’s plenty of room for cargo and couch room in here:

The newest version is the larger XL is based on an Airbus A330. The whale-themed livery was chosen a poll of all 20,000 Airbus employees. Of six choices, the smiling whale received 40 per cent of the votes to win. The BelugaXL will now undertake ground tests before first flights planned later in 2018.

Locate oversize, heavy-haul trucking companies and pilot cars:

Do I need a trucking permit? Legal load limits.

Idaho maximum load limits until a trucking permit is required:

Length: A 75’ length is the legal limit for any combined truck and trailer in transport.Width: A maximum of 8’ 6” wide.Height: A maximum of 14’Weight: A maximum of 80,000 lbs. total (GVW) with no more than 14,000 lbs. on the steer axle and 20,000 lbs. on any other single axle.Overhang: 4’ in front of trailer and no more than 10’ from the rear axle of trailer to the end of load.

Routine oversize and heavy haul trucking permits.

These maximum dimensions/weights are considered routine oversize or heavy-haul trucking permits in Idaho:

Port of Entry Information.

Hollister: 21 miles south of Twin Falls 208-3322-7844.
East Boise: 11 miles east of Boise 208-334-3272.
Marsing: 6 miles south of US 55/US 95 208-896-4814.
Lewiston: 1 mile east of Lewiston 208-799-4824.
Huetter: 2 miles east of Coer d’Alene 208-769-1551.
Bonner’s Ferry: (Moyle Jct.) Jct. of US 95 & US 2 208-267-2486.
Haugan: 15 miles east of state line 406-678-4257.
Sage Junction: 2 miles north of Roberts 208-228-3636.
Inkom: 8 miles south of Pocatello 208-775-3322.
Cottrell: 8 miles south of Twin Falls 208-349-5650.

The information contained in these pages is research information primarily for use by oversize and overweight trucking company drivers, dispatchers and pilot car companies. While every effort is put into maintaining the accuracy of this information you must absolutely verify this information with the Idaho State DOT Permits office before commencing movement.

What is a removable goose neck trailer?

A removable goose neck trailer (RGN) detaches from it’s own goose neck which attaches it to the semi-truck. Detaching the equipment allows driveable machinery to be loaded onto the deck. The driver of the truck then backs up to the deck and re-attaches the removable goose neck with a hydraulic lift. Removable goose neck trailers are very popular and versatile as they can move heavy haul loads. Notice in the photograph below the extra axles. These additional axles evenly spread the weight of the heavy haul shipment throughout the road. This ensures the pavement is not damaged. Removable goose neck trailers save money because items requiring transportation don’t need a crane. Additional axles are easily added to this type of configuration. RGN shipments can be moved easily using our loadboard in order to get a freight quote.

Removable goose neck trailers were invented during the 1950’s and are great for transporting over weight, over height, oversize and over height shipments.

As we discussed above the front portion of this trailer detaches which allows the trailer to be lowered to the ground. This leaves a ramp to drive equipment on to. RGN shipments are typically driven onto the trailer. RGN trailers can have up to 20+ axles so they can carry freight up to 150,000 pounds.

These are the maximums that can be loaded onto a removable goose neck trailer before trucking permits are required:

The maximum load weight is around 42,000 pounds.

The maximum well space provides about 29 feet of deck space.

The maximum width is 8 feet and 6 inches.

The maximum height of the load is about 11 feet and 6 inches.

The maximum overhang is determined by the laws in each state/province.

Learning removable goose neck basics.

Always be sure you clearly understand all of the state(s) laws, regulations, rules and limitations prior to shipping any type of load on a removable goose neck trailer. Hefty fines can be levied from breaking laws. Regulations in each state differ and you should fully research them prior to moving any load to make sure you are in compliance. Oversize and heavy-haul loads require specialized driver training and trucking permits in order to be transported. Always refer to the actual state issued permit for any discrepancies you may have. Be smart, be safe and know exactly what you are doing before doing it.

Accessories used with removable goose neck trailers.

Quite a few removable goose neck trailer accessories are available. In order to make loading/unloading easier as well as protecting the item that is being transported. In many cases the owner of removable goose neck (RGN) trailers may add ramps to the trailer thus making it easier and quicker to load/unload items. Especially farming equipment or dozers, loaders, back-hoes, trucks, tractors and scrapers or any specialized equipment that has tracks or wheels. One of the most popular accessories is tarps. Tarps provide protection for items that are being shipped and can cut down on the possibility of damages. Keeping insurance claims to a minimum is always a smart idea.

Removable goose neck trailers with additional axles.

Heavy equipment shipping is a demand that is increasing. As we grow so do our capabilities which usually means larger equipment. As you can see in our illustration above 5 axle removable goose neck trailers are in demand these days and the owner of one with the right customers can have a 5 axle removable goose neck (RGN) combination running team drivers pretty much year round.

Large equipment hauling on removable goose neck trailers.

​Flatbed oriented trailers are capable of hauling a very diverse range of items. While items like connex trailers, tiny houses and general freight can help keep a trucking company busy generating revenue the real purpose of removable goose neck trailers is hauling big, heavy, tall machinery and equipment. As we mentioned earlier the target market for removable goose neck (RGN) trailers is equipment and machinery that may be heavy but also tall. This is the key element that drives demand for this type of trailer.

Do I need a trucking permit? Legal load limits.

Kansas maximum load limits until a trucking permit is required.

Length: Trailer may be no longer than 59 feet and 6 inches in length. Overall length may not exceed 59 feet and 6 inches in length.Width: 8 feet and 6 inches.Height: 14 feet maximum.Weight: 80,000 pounds gross vehicle weight (GVW).Overhang: Provided the overall combined length does not exceed 59 feet and 6 inches it is legal.

Routine oversize and heavy-haul trucking permits.

These maximum dimensions/weights are considered routine oversize or heavy-haul trucking permits in Kansas:

Length: Up to 126 feet overall depending on route. Turnpike restrictions: Any vehicle or combination of vehicles, trailer(s) or load(s) exceeding 125 feet in length requires pre-authorization by KTA. Night operation of these loads will not be authorized except in emergency or disaster situations. Tandem and triple trailers are discouraged – and may be restricted – during inclement weather.Width: Up to 16 feet and 6 inches is a routine permit. Over this width is a superload. Turnpike restrictions: Any vehicle or load exceeding 12 feet in width requires pre-authorization by KTA. Night operation of these loads will not be authorized except in emergency or disaster situations. Vehicles and/or loads more than 8 feet and 6 inches in width may not travel the Kansas Turnpike during the nighttime hours. Night operation of these loads will not be authorized except in emergency or disaster situations. Vehicles and/or loads exceeding 16 feet wide will rarely be authorized for any operation on the Kansas Turnpike.Height: Up to 17 feet tall depending on routing (route survey required for some routes). Anything over 17 feet is a superload. Turnpike restrictions: Vehicles and/or loads more than 14 feet in height will be denied entry until a Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper can measure the load to authorize or deny travel. Any vehicle or load activating an over height detector when entering the Kansas Turnpike is required to stop and cannot proceed until authorized to do so by a Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper.

The front of the truck and rear of trailer is required to have “Oversize Load” signs anytime a permit is issued. Red or orange safety flags must be attached to each corner of widest part of the shipment. This includes the rear of all over length loads. If overhang exists the item must be flagged as well as marked with warning lights on the rear. The truck must have a rotating or flashing amber light mounted at the very top that is visible from no less than 1,000 feet. Over weight only loads require “Oversize Load” signs. Signs for over-weight online will be covered at during night time travel. Sign dimensions should be a minimum of 7 feet wide and 18 inches in height with black letters no less than 10 inches in height on a yellow background.

When pilot cars or escort vehicles are required.

Heavy-haul or oversize loads may be required to be accompanies by a escort vehicle or pilot car if:

Length: If in excess of 90 feet overall you are required to have 1 rear/chase pilot car or escort vehicle.Width: Loads over 14 feet wide, one front escort and one rear. 4 lanes or less may eliminate rear escort with amber light on the cab and rear or load. Light must be at least 2 feet high from pavement and no more than 8’ from pavement. Does not apply to super or over 4 lanes. Turnpike restrictions: At least one escort vehicle is required to accompany the movement of loads that are more than 14 feet wide.Height: If over 17 feet tall you need a high pole escort.Notes: Permits will state on them if they are valid for either 3 or 5 days. All signs, flags and amber lights must be either removed or covered when not in operation.

Pilot cars/escort vehicle certifications and requirements.

Qualifying vehicles must be either a passenger vehicle or a pick up truck with a minimum width of 60 inches and a maximum weight rating of 1 ton. Maximum loaded weight may not exceed 12,000 pounds. Pilot car and escort vehicle operators must be 18 years of age minimum and have a valid drivers license. All pilot car or escort vehicles must have a “Oversize Load” sign either on top of the pilot car/escort vehicle or facing towards the front or the rear of the vehicle, which ever is applicable. Oversize Load signs must be a minimum of 5 feet in length and no less than 18 inches in height with a minimum of 8 inch letters that are black in color on a yellow background. Amber lights must be attached to the rood of the vehicle and ether rotate or strobe and be visible from no less than 1,000 feet. Any vehicle used for the purpose of escorting or piloting oversize loads must be fully insured in the state it is registered in. Equipment required is 1 standard 18 inch or 24 inch “Stop” and “Slow” paddle sign. 8 reflective triangles, 8 red road safety burning flares, 3 orange color 18 inch tall safety cones, 1 orange hard hat worn when outside of the vehicle, 2 amber flashing lights 6 inches or larger or one rotating or oscillating amber light. a first aid kit, 1 “OVERSIZE LOAD” sign, 1 spare tire, 1 jack and lug wrench, 1 safety colored orange vest or jacket, 2 – 12 inch (minimum) square red or orange hand-held flags and 1- 5 pound B and C fire extinguisher.Notes: The “superload certification” certificate policy has been discontinued and you no longer need to be “certified” to operate a pilot car or escort vehicle in the state of Kansas. Research this further if you wish. All pilot cars or escort vehicles operating in the state of Kansas are required to have a copy of the Kansas pilot car manual in the vehicle at all times. All signs, flags, amber lights must be covered or removed when not in operation.

Mobile home transport laws.

Be certain you are aware of the KS Mobile home shipping regulations:

All mobile homes must comply with the length, height and width guidelines above. All mobile homes must be towed by a truck-tractor designed and equipped to tow mobile homes. Towing of more than one mobile home at any one time by a single power unit is not permitted. All movement of mobile homes must comply with state rules and regulations regarding flags, lights, signing and insurance requirements.

Legal travel times for oversize and heavy haul loads.

Travel times and restrictions for heavy-haul and oversize loads:

Travel is permitted 1/2 hour before sunrise and 1/2 hour after sunset 7 days a week. No night movements except for overweight only. Turnpike restrictions: Movement of vehicles that are more than 14 feet wide is restricted to Monday through Thursday between the hours of 8:30 am and 4:30 pm.

Kansas is a member of:MVCSHTO.Notes:Kansas Turnpike Authorities: 316-682-4537 extension: 2202. Turnpike notes: Special permits from KDOT are not required to move oversize loads on the Kansas Turnpike. Movement of any oversize loads must comply with Kansas laws governing authority, insurance, lights, flags, signs, placards and safety equipment. It is the responsibility of the driver of any oversize vehicle and/or load to determine if the toll plaza has adequate space for the safe entry and exit of the vehicle and/or load. Movement of some or all oversize vehicles and/or loads may be temporarily restricted due to weather, road or construction conditions.

2018 National hot dog day. The term “Negative Nancy” is one we’ve all heard and are familiar with. A term most of us distance ourselves from but in reading about Loves Travel Stops free hot dog Wednesday the first thing you have to wonder is how much does that cost? If Loves is offering services to “factor” money to trucking companies (for a fee which is usually 2-4%) for fuel, freight bills, etc. – why...

FMCSA releases a mandated “Corrective Action Plan” for the CSA program. Cutting through the commentary here are the nuts and bolts. The actions the FMCSA stated it will take in its 10 page corrective action plan will include: Moving forward to develop and test an IRT model. That model will be used to inform the agency’s work, with opportunities for public input. As recommended by NAS, if the new IRT model performs well, it will...

2018 Arizona state shipping laws, regulations, rules and limitations for oversize and overweight trucking on state highways and roads. Please share your expertise of Arizona state DOT trucking regulations with other visitors below. As per the state of Arizona please read the following: “The Arizona Department of Transportation in cooperation with state representatives, industry, the Department of Public Safety and local law enforcement personnel work in collaboration to update and amend oversize and overweight special...

Freight Brokers may want to start driving part time. With the demand for more truck drivers owners of trucking companies can now be more picky about who they haul for. The age old cry of freight brokers are crooks may be coming to an end as technology progresses. With demand for drivers and internet technology maturing in years to come the freight broker may be a job position of the past such as a “wheel maker” or...

The information contained in these pages is research information primarily for use by oversize and overweight trucking company drivers, dispatchers and pilot car companies. While every effort is put into maintaining the accuracy of this information you must absolutely verify this information with the Kansas State DOT Permits office before commencing movement.

Locate oversize, heavy-haul trucking companies and pilot cars:

Do I need a trucking permit? Legal load limits.

Michigan maximum load limits until a trucking permit is required:

Length: Overall no longer than 75 feet on designated highways. Trailer length maximum is 50 feet on non-designated and 53 feet on designated.Width: 96 inches on non designated highways and 102 inches (8 feet 6 inches.) on designated.Height: 13 feet 6 inches tall.Weight: 80,000 pounds GVW, 20,000 pounds on single axles (not steer), 34,000 pounds on tandem axles.Overhang: 3 feet in the front and anything over 4 feet in the rear must be red flagged in the day and have a red light at night.Notes: There’s no restriction on maximum length of combination of truck-tractor and semitrailer with or without load

Routine oversize and heavy-haul trucking permits.

These maximum dimensions/weights are considered routine oversize or heavy-haul trucking permits in Michigan:

Length: Under 150 feet in length. Anything over 150 feet is classified as a superload (105 feet maximum for mobile homes).Width: Figure up to 16 feet as a routine permit. Anything over is going to looked at seriously and they may even classify you as superload.Height: Up to 15 feet is routine. If you are over 15 feet high count on needing a route survey.Weight: All weights in excess of 80,000 pounds over all are decided on a case by case basis. Anything over 150,000 lbs is subject to a bridge weight study.Overhang: Any shipment in excess of 4 feet of overhang is permitted on a case by case basis only.Notes: Maximum speed for any permitted shipment is 45 MPH. Permits for heavy shipments may take more than 10 days to process.

Michigan superloads.

Information about shipping superloads in the state of Michigan.

If your shipment is in excess of any of the following weights or dimensions it may be classified as a superload.

Length: Anything over 150 feet.Width: 16 feet or over.Height: 15 feet and over is classified as a superload. Some limited routes may vary.Notes: We have no weight maximums to report. Height may be on a case by case basis.

All oversize load shipments will be required to display 2 “Oversize Load” signs. On must be mounted to the bumper of the truck and the other to the rear of the trailer. Signs must be a minimum of 7 feet in width and 18 inches in height with 10 inch black letters on a yellow background. Flags are required on all 4 corners of the combination and be safety red or orange in color and be 18 inches square. If the item being shipped has dimensions extending beyond the trailer then the extremities must be flagged as well. Headlights must be on at all times. A minimum of 2 flashing of strobing lights must be mounted to the rear portion of the load.

When pilot cars or escort vehicles are required.

Heavy-haul or oversize loads may be required to be accompanies by a escort vehicle or pilot car if:

Length: 90 feet to 100 feet one on the rear. Over 100 feet requires a rear pilot car or “chase” escort vehicle.Width: Loads over 12 wide on 4 lane is required one rear escort/pilot car. A lead or front pilot car is required for loads on 2 lane highway over 12 feet wide. Front and rear pilot cars/escorts are required for loads over 14 feet wide.Height: Over 14 feet and 5 inches is required to have a pilot car equipped with a height pole. Over 15 feet in height will require a rear chase escort vehicle in addition to 1 lead pilot car equipped with a height pole.Overhang: If over 15 feet 1 rear escort is required.Weight: If truck can maintain minimum speeds no pilot cars are required unless excessive or superload.Note: Allow 1 to 10 days for permits to be approved. Distance for pilot car to lead/chase load 500′ unless otherwise stated on permit. This is the distance between lead/chase and the truck/trailer. Maximum speeds of 45 MPH if 4 or more lanes, 35 MPH is under 4 lanes. Also read travel restrictions below.

Pilot cars/escort vehicle certifications and requirements.

In order to qualify as a pilot car vehicle in the state of Michigan you must either have a pickup truck or a passenger car with at least one rotating or flashing amber light mounted on the top of the vehicle. Pilot cars and escort vehicles must also display one oversize load sign that is 5′ x 1′ tall and have black letters no less than 8 inches tall on a yellow background. All flashing, stroking or rotating amber lights must be visible from a distance of no less than 500 feet. In addition to this we strongly suggest pilot cars and escort vehicles have the minimum of federally suggested equipment.

Legal travel times for oversize and heavy haul loads.

Travel times and restrictions for heavy-haul and oversize loads:

Travel time is sunrise to sunset daylight only with the half hour before sunrise and a half hour after sunset leniency rule. No weekend travel. No holiday travel or the day after Christmas or Thanksgiving. They have rush hours rules from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM in a whole list of counties (look on permit). Wind restrictions if over 24 MPH you can’t run. Frost and thaw laws in effect from Feb. until April on weight. You can view holiday restrictions.

Width: 96 inches.Width: 102 inches on non-designated roads.Height: 13 feet, 6 inchesLength of semitrailer: 53 feet including the load.Length of a semitrailer: 50 feet including the load on non-designated roads.Length of combination of truck-tractor and semitrailer with or without load: They say there’s no limitations.Length of any other vehicle with or without load: 40 feet – bumpers are not included in measurements.Units permitted in train: 2 semi-trailers maximum.

Length of a combination: 65 feet. Semitrailers longer than 50 feet shall have a wheelbase of 37 feet to 41 feet (measured from the kingpin coupling to the center of the axles or to the center of the tandem axle assembly if equipped with 2 axles). Semitrailers longer than 50 feet are limited to 3 axles. Semitrailers longer than 50 feet shall operate on designated highways only. Semitrailers and trailers shall be measured from the front vertical plane of the foremost transverse load supporting structure to the rearmost transverse load supporting structure.Notes on lengths: Length shall not include safety and energy conservation devices including, but not limited to, impact absorbing bumpers, rear view mirrors, turn signal lamps, marker lamps, steps and hand holds for entry and egress, flexible fender extensions, mud flaps or splash and suppressant devices, load induced tire bulge, refrigeration or heating units, or air compressors. A device shall be excluded from a determination of length only if it is not designed or used for the carrying of cargo.Projection beyond front of vehicles: 3 feetOverhang beyond rear of vehicles: Any amount is permissible if the legal length is not exceeded. However, if this overhang is 4 feet or more, there shall be displayed on the extreme rear of such a load a 12 inch red flag that is square in the daytime and a red light or lantern at night.Axle limitation: A combination of vehicles shall not exceed 11 axles.Exceptions:Width: Unprocessed Logs, Pulpwood, Wood Bolts, Agricultural Products, and Concrete Pipe, (108 inches for load only), Busses, (102 inches), Implements of Husbandry: A person may only operate or tow an implement of husbandry of any width on a highway as required for normal farming operations.Length: Truck-Tractor, Semitrailer, and Trailer or Truck-Tractor and 2 Semitrailers: No overall length limitation providing the length of each semitrailer and trailer including load does not exceed 28 feet 6 inches or the overall length of the semitrailer and trailer or 2 semitrailers as measured from the front of the first towed unit to the rear of the second towed unit while the units are coupled together does not exceed an overall length of 58 feet, including load. Any such combination, except as herein described with regard to assembled motor vehicles or bodies, recreational vehicles or boats, may be operated only on such highways and routes as designated by the appropriate authorities.Truck and trailer: Overall length not to exceed 65 feet. Any such combination may be operated only on such highways and routes as designated by the appropriate authorities.Truck and trailer notes: Designed and used to transport saw logs, pulpwood, and tree length poles. Overall length is not to exceed 70 feet including load. Any such combination may be operated only on such highways and routes as designated by the appropriate authorities. Truck and trailer designed and used exclusively to transport assembled motor vehicles or bodies, recreational vehicles, or boats: Any such combination not to exceed a total length of 65 feet, except a stinger-steered combination shall not exceed a total length of 75 feet. The load on any such combination of vehicles may extend an additional 3 feet beyond the front and 4 feet beyond the rear of the combination of vehicles.

Shipping laws, regulations, limitations and rules for shipping oversize and over-weight loads over the roads and highways in the state of Illinois. Please share your expertise or knowledge of Illinois state shipping regulations with other visitors below. Trucking and pilot car location system: Locate trucking companies and pilot cars in...

2018 National hot dog day. The term “Negative Nancy” is one we’ve all heard and are familiar with. A term most of us distance ourselves from but in reading about Loves Travel Stops free hot dog Wednesday the first thing you have to wonder is how much does that cost?...

FMCSA releases a mandated “Corrective Action Plan” for the CSA program. Cutting through the commentary here are the nuts and bolts. The actions the FMCSA stated it will take in its 10 page corrective action plan will include: Moving forward to develop and test an IRT model. That model will...

The information contained in these pages is research information primarily for use by oversize and overweight trucking company drivers, dispatchers and pilot car companies. While every effort is put into maintaining the accuracy of this information you must absolutely verify this information with the Michigan State DOT Permits office before commencing movement.

WHAT IS A HEIGHT POLE?

A height pole or high pole or hi-pole is a measuring device that is precisely attached to the front of a pilot car vehicle that is used to measure the height of overhead obstructions during the transport of over-dimensional (tall) shipments by oversize trucking companies. North American states and provinces have laws that regulate and mandate when a height pole is required in order to transport over height shipments within their jurisdiction. To be in compliance with these pre-determined requirements trucking companies must determine if the shipment they wish to transport will require a height pole pilot car or a lead escort vehicle with a height pole installed before applying for a oversize trucking permit.

Pilot car with height pole attached.

The photograph illustrated here is a typical example of what a pilot car vehicle might appear like when equipped with a height pole. You can clearly see the measuring device affixed to the front of the vehicle as it is very tall. A height pole is typically made out of sections of fiberglass that are adjustable to meet the requirements by each state/province the shipment will be transported through. Typically the height pole will be adjusted to a height that is 6 inches (or 15.24 centimeters) taller than the shipment is when loaded onto the shipping trailer. Then once the actual transport of the item takes place the pilot car equipped with the height pole will proceed in front of the over-dimensional (tall) load being transported. If a driver of the pilot car equipped with the height pole (hi-pole or high pole) hears the fiberglass height pole hit any obstructions in the path of the shipment the operator will then immediately notify the driver of the truck transporting the shipment informing of the obstruction in order to prevent any damages to the shipment or the obstruction. When a height pole is properly mounted to the escort vehicle it is connected to the frame. If the height pole does happen to strike any objects the sound heard by the pilot car is very loud and distinct thus alerting the driver of the obstruction. It has been noted as recently as 2015 in excess of 169 million dollars in overhead obstruction damages were caused during that single year in the United States alone. So having these safety measures in place is most definitely in the best interest of everyone from the tax payer, to the safety of the motorists and the owner of the shipment being transported as well as the transportation company.

The importance of installing a height pole correctly.

There’s no such thing as cutting corners when installing a height pole on your pilot car. It’s extremely important it’s directly connected to the frame of your pilot car for two reasons:

Ensure it is sturdy, stable and not going to fall off of your vehicle.

So you can hear the sound it makes if it hits any obstruction. To do so properly it must be attached to the frame.

In order for the pilot car vehicle operator to properly hear the sound created by the height pole if a obstruction is hit it is imperative the device be properly and securely mounted to the vehicle in such a manner the bracket holding it is connected to the frame of the pilot car vehicle. In order to obtain the absolute highest quality from installing this device you may wish to make certain you are not adding sub-supports for your height pole when designing your attachment method.

Suggested methods of attaching a height pole.

While there are many different way to install a height pole on your pilot car vehicle we strongly suggest you locate a heavy-duty bumper grill made from heavy tubing such as you might see on law enforcement vehicles. If you are able to locate a front bumper/grill protector attachment you then have a few options:

The first would be to cut the top portion of the bumper guard off so your height pole can easily slide in/out of the pole. Make certain you devise a method than locks it in no matter how you decide to attach it.

The second option would be to locate a small piece of pipe the base of the height pole snugly fits into and weld this onto the bumper grill attachment.

This will require some planning, designing and fabricating on your part in order to weld the pipe in place so it stands perfectly vertical but well worth it if you wish to work with shipments that are over-height.

The bumper grill works so well due to the fact it usually connects with two bolts to your vehicle. The tubing these are constructed out of is not only heavy-duty but very close if not the same as the base of most height poles. So not only do it properly but efficiently as well.

Why is it so important to connect high poles to the frame of pilot car vehicles?

A good quality sound must be made if any obstructions are hit with the pole. You want to consider all of the other noises that occur when you are operating your pilot car vehicle. You’ve got the sound of your engine, the sound of your tires on the road as well as any 2-way radio chatter. Other sounds such as sirens, trains, air-planes etc. are frequent as well. Because the height pole is so important make sure if it does strike something overhead it clearly makes a loud sound. This will instantly alert the operator by being indistinguishable from any other sounds or background noises.

What is a route survey?

In the trucking industry a route survey applies to transportation of specialized shipments. Route surveys are typically done before a shipment is permitted to travel. A vehicle must travel the exact route proposed by the specialized trucking company to ensure the safety of motorists and protection of public property. When a route survey is being performed the surveyor is looking for things like low bridges, tight turn radius’s or other signs the shipment may an alternate route. The route surveyor is also documenting things such as rail-road crossings and bridge heights (if applicable) as well as other potential dangers or obstructions. Specifically, these type of shipments can either be heavy, tall, long or wide. Each state and province in North America has rules and regulations that must be followed in order to ship specialized loads over their roads and highways. These laws were designed to protect motorists and well as public property such as roads and highways as well as bridges. When a oversize or over-weight (heavy-haul) item requires over the road transportation and is considered to large or heavy to ship under routinely issued oversize or heavy-haul trucking permits it is then classified as a superload. Most superloads require a route survey be done prior to authorizing them to ship it. Usually a pilot car (escort vehicle) will perform a survey of the intended route first in order to make certain the shipment is able to pass through certain areas or under bridges.

Why is a route survey required?

First and foremost to ensure the safety of motorists traveling over the roads and highways. In addition, to protect public assets and property from being damaged by a extra large or heavy shipment. Anytime a shipment is in excess of the legal limits there is an added level of danger associated with it. In the case of superloads there is even more. This is why the laws governing the shipment of extra large and heavy loads (superloads) are so strict. Try to picture a typical semi-truck with a 48 or 53 feet trailer. The entire combination is less than 65 feet in length. Now consider how relatively easy it is for the truck to make a right hand turn at a stop light. Now think how it would be if the combined length was 3 times that amount or 196 feet. Bridges are the same. The typical semi-truck is less than 11 feet and 6 inches to the top of the exhaust pipes. The legal maximum height in most states/provinces is 13 feet and 6 inches. Now think about what if the item being transported was 32 feet in height. Route surveys for extreme oversize and heavy-haul shipments are very important.

What certifications do you need to do route survey work?

The majority of the time a route survey is performed by a pilot car (escort) company. Most states/provinces require pilot car drivers to be certified before operating in them so in order to perform route survey work you will want to get certified as a pilot car driver first. However, in many cases recently route survey work for superloads has been assigned to government employees such as engineers and law enforcement. So if you do plan on doing route survey work you may want to consider operating in the capacity of a pilot car company first and be certain you install a height pole on your pilot car or escort vehicle.

If you are looking for a pilot car company to do a route survey for your company we have many available. If you are in need of a specialized carrier to ship your extremely heavy or oversize shipment we would be more than happy to have them quote you.

Locate oversize, heavy-haul trucking companies and pilot cars.

Do I need a trucking permit? Legal load limits.

Georgia maximum load limits until a trucking permit is required.

Length: 75 feet maximum overall combined including overhang. However, 60 feet maximum length on some routes.Width: 8 feet maximum on some roads but on main highways and Interstates 8 feet and 6 inches is the maximum width.Height: 13 feet and 6 inches.Weight: GVW 80,000 pounds overall combined. Single axle is 20,340 pounds, tandem axles is 34,000 pounds and tridem axles depends on the spacing but is 20,340 pounds maximum on each axle in the configuration.Overhang: Overhang in not detailed much by Georgia state DOT so if you are in excess of 60 feet in length overall combined we strongly suggest you contact the oversize permitting office by telephone below.

Routine oversize and heavy-haul trucking permits.

These maximum dimensions/weights are considered routine oversize or heavy-haul trucking permits in Georgia:

Length: Under 120 feet long was the old rule but as of 06/26/18 it seems there’s no limit on length if that is the only dimension over routine. Also a legalWeight: Any single axle routine permit is 23,000 pounds, tandem axles is 46,000 pounds, tridem axles is 60,000 pounds, quadem axles is 92,000 pounds. Gross maximum routine permit weight limitations are: 5 axles 100,000 pounds, 6 axles 125,000 pounds, 7 axles 148,000 pounds, 8 axles 150,000 pounds. If over 150,000 pounds it’s a superload.Width: 15 feet and 6 inches. However, on some routes 16 feet is permitted with 1 front pilot car and 1 rear escort. Mobiles and pre-fab homes are limited to 95 feet in length overall.Height: Under 14 feet tall.Overhang: This is a very odd state as far as overhang is concerned. Look below under superloads and try the actual state documentation or simply give them a call at the number listed below.Notes: Georgia mentions a legal 53 trailer with no over all length restrictions on federal interstates and “STAA” designated routes. This isn’t real clear to our staff as no overhang limits would then be governed by maximum lengths. But with no maximum length if that is the only dimension that is over routine limits then we assume any length can be permitted. BE ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN TO ALWAYS REFER TO YOUR ACTUAL OVERSIZE TRUCKING PERMIT FOR ANY DISCREPANCIES.

Legal travel times for oversize and heavy haul loads.

Travel times and restrictions for heavy-haul and oversize loads:

Georgia travel times unless otherwise stated on your permit are as follows; Monday thru Saturdays from one-half hour after sunrise until one-half hour before sunset Eastern Standard Time or Eastern Daylight time depending on spring or fall. No travel is permitted on Sundays unless stated on your permit. No movement is permitted on the following holidays: New Years Day, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. I-285 is the boundary for Atlanta and travel within it is restricted and not permitted at all unless you are picking up or delivering within – if so travel times are not permitted from 6 AM until 9 AM and from 4 PM until 6 PM on weekdays M-F. Shipments in excess of 10 feet in width may not travel more than 55 miles per hour. Any permitted shipment that is in excess of 16 feet in width may only travel between 10 AM and and 3 PM in and around major cities. Any permitted shipment that is in excess of 12 feet in width may not travel under any circumstances if visibility is restricted to less than 600 feet or wind speed in in excess of 25 miles per hour.

Any oversize or heavy-load must be clearly identified by the appropriate signs such as “OVERSIZE LOAD” OR “HEAVY-HAUL LOAD” or other variations that are specific. Signs must be mounted on the front of the truck and rear of item being transported. Sign dimensions must be no less than 6 feet wide and 12 inches in height. Sign must have a yellow background with black letters not less than 8 inches tall. Front and rear of oversize combination must be flagged with red or orange florescent flags 18 inches square. The power unit must be equipped with a amber light – note you must purchase a amber light permit to operate one in the state of Georgia.

When pilot cars or escort vehicles are required.

Heavy-haul or oversize loads may be required to be accompanies by a escort vehicle or pilot car if:

QUICK REFERENCE

12 feet to 14 feet and 8 inches requires 1 front and 1 rear escort. However, on some highways and designated routes amber lights may be used instead of a rear escort.

14 feet and 8 inches up to 16 feet will require 1 front lead pilot car and 1 rear chase escort on 2-lane roads. 1 escort/pilot car may be used on interstates.

16 feet in width will be determined on a case-by-case basis – refer to your permit.

Height: When over 15 feet and 6 inches in height you will be required to have a lead pilot car equipped with a height pole.

DETAILED VERSION

Length: Over 75 feet but less than 100 feet 1 rear escort of pilot car is required. Over 100 feet but less than 125 feet long requires 1 rear escort vehicle. Over 125 feet long requires 1 front pilot car and 1 rear escort vehicle.Height: Over 15 feet and 6 inches requires 1 lead pilot car in front of truck equipped with a height pole.Width: On 2 lane roads over 12 feet but less than 14 feet and 8 inches requires 1 rear escort vehicle behind the shipment. On 2 lane roads over 14 feet and 8 inches but less than 16 feet wide requires 1 pilot car vehicle in front of the truck and 1 rear chase escort vehicle behind the load. On 4 lane roads over 12 feet but less than 14 feet and 8 inches requires 1 rear escort vehicle. On Interstates over 14 feet and 8 inches wide but less than 16 inches will require 1 chase rear escort vehicle. Requirements for loads over 16 feet wide will be decided on a case-by-case basis.

Pilot cars/escort vehicle certifications and requirements.

You must be certified (a good read) to operate a pilot car or escort vehicle in the state of Georgia (call: 888-262-8306). You must obtain a amber light permit ($2 fee 2 weeks in advance) in order to operate in the state of Georgia (call: 404-624-7211 for more information). Amber lights need to strobe and must have a minimum base size of 8 inches in diameter and be placed at the top of the vehicle. Of course newer light-bars are being accepted as pictured below. The minimum candle power rating is 35,000 or must be clearly visible from no less than 1/4 mile away. A front “OVERSIZE LOAD” sign (yellow background with 8 inch black lettering) that is no less that 6 feet wide and 1 foot tall is required to mounted on the front of all lead pilot car vehicles and on the rear of all chase escort vehicles. Pilot cars and escort vehicles are required to be equipped with 2-way communications and be in constant contact with all parties related to shipment being transported. Stop/slow paddle a minimum of 18 inches across. Safety helmet and safety vest/jacket that must be worn when exiting the vehicle. 9 yes 9 safety road triangles 17 inches tall. 8 road flares, 3 safety cones 18 inches tall, 5 fire extinguishers, first-aid kit, spare-tire, traffic wand flash-light with spare batteries. Vehicles used should either be a truck no less than 1/4 ton but no more than 17,000 pounds (GVW) or a passenger vehicle with no more than 2,000 pounds (GVW). Both sides of pilot cars must have a sign detailing the companies name and contact information visible from no less than 50 feet. Pilot cars are required to have a minimum of 2 red or orange safety colored flags mounted on the front or rear of vehicle no less than 18 inches square in shape. Passengers are not allowed with the exception of certified individuals in training status. No pets. All pilot cars and escorts must have headlights turned on low beam when operating and have lights on only when in operation (not when preparing to operate or pulled over in a turn out). Signs must be covered when not in operation. Oversize loads must pull over to allow for traffic to pass which is the only time it is appropriate to continue operating lights. Do not operate lights during pre-trip planning or any other time when not in full operation leading or chasing the shipment.

The information contained in these pages is research information primarily for use by oversize and overweight trucking company drivers, dispatchers and pilot car companies. While every effort is put into maintaining the accuracy of this information you must absolutely verify this information with the Georgia State DOT Permits office before commencing movement.